MY ACCOUNT
Checkout
Courses + Products
SHOP

Weddings

Chris + Katie | Part I

filed in:

…experienced you are, if you’re a photographer and another photographer asks you to shoot his/her wedding, you get a little nervous.  What an honor!  Chris called me last fall and asked if I would shoot their wedding and of course I was thrilled! ….. but nervous. Chris and I met years ago when Michael and I were visiting friends at Clemson. One of our groomsmen in our wedding was roommates with Chris and so Chris and I had several opportunities to talk camera talk and all that nerdy stuff. The funny thing is that I specifically remember Chris asking me if I had every considered doing photography professionally…and my response was… wait for it… “Uh…No, I don’ t really enjoy shooting people”.

Yep, that’s what I said and now I am shooting his wedding! Man things change! Wow.  I reminded him of that conversation the morning of his wedding as we walked around and looked at some portrait location options.  Little did we know that it was going to rain… all day. HOWEVER, I always tell clients that some of my BEST weddings were shot on dreary, rainy days and that was so true this past weekend! There are not enough exclamation marks to describe how much I loved this wedding and this couple!! Chris and Katie are such a fabulous couple with huge hearts and sweet spirits. Capturing their day was such a joy and I loved every minute of it! … Rain and all! I have too many favorites and so I just have to do a Part I and Part II!

.

The day started off with a bridal brunch downtown at the cutest little restaurant!

Too many flower shots? I don’t care… I can’t choose anymore! It’s harder than it seems!Chris and Katie were married at the Hyatt Regency of Greenville and the theme was “Old Hollywood”! It doesn’t get much better than that!

Love! Katie you are beyond beautiful, girl!

Ah!!! Favorite!

Warning: I’m posting a million shots from their “First Look” because it was beautiful and romantic and pretty much AMAZING. Every couple should consider doing one… not just because of the amazing shots you get, but because of the experience.  This moment that they shared, they will NEVER forget. It was “their time” to be together on their wedding day and that is priceless!

He was speechless…..literally. It is in these moments that I realize how beautiful my job is…. capturing this makes me so so happy!!All of these were taken within a span of 2-3 minutes. Isn’t that incredible? You don’t get shots like this when you meet at the end of the isle!

Oh sweet goodness!

Another favorite! They are so so natural in front of the camera! My job was so easy!

Ohhh yea…. did I mention I borrowed Chris’s 85mm to shoot with?…. and I loved it…and I became obsessed with it…. and I came home and bought one!!? I even paid for 2 day shipping because I don’t even want to shoot another wedding without it! It’s dramatic, I know… but if you are a photographer, you would understand.

If you liked Part I….you’ll LOVE Part II!! Let me know what ya’ think! (and if you think I blog too many images… I already know that, I’m working on it!)

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

Kelly Sea & Katelyn James

Ep. 34 | How She is Booking 90+ Weddings a Year And staying sane while doing it!

Kelly is an incredible wedding photographer who has been shooting 90 weddings a year. I know, it sounds unbelievable, but it’s true! Kelly’s success and the volume of work she handles is truly impressive.

READ MORE
The Katelyn James Podcast

Your sessions should be working FOR you not against you!

Free Posing Class
READ MORE

Free Posing Class The KJ Way

Education
Manual Mode Made Easy

Mastering Manual Mode The Simple Way!

Shooting in manual mode might seem complex and overwhelming at first but there is an easier way!

READ MORE
Youtube
Lightroom Classic Beginner Guide

Lightroom Classic Starter Guide Everything You Need to Get Started!

Welcome to your Lightroom Classic Starter Guide video!

READ MORE
Youtube

I’m breaking down the MUST-HAVE ITEMS that every photographer needs to be successful at the start of their career! 

5 Essentials to Turn Pro
READ MORE

5 Essentials Beginners Need to Go Pro and make your photography business a success!

Youtube

Danny + Megan A Biltmore Estate Wedding

Oh where do I begin? This wasn’t just another wedding for me. This was a legacy KJ Wedding and I have been looking forward to it ever since my first email from Danny and Megan!

READ MORE
Weddings

READER FAVORITES

"Best money I have EVER spent on education! ... and I've spent a lot!”

- Kara Abbey, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I love all the lessons I'm learning from KJ All Access! Thanks Katelyn!”

- Shannon Drummond, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I find very few educational resources worth it ... this one is!”

- Kate gansneder, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Being able to see behind-the-scenes of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful!”

- Angie mcpherson, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"SO worth it! It's amazing the amount of knowledge you get out of them!”

- Brittany Lowe, ALl ACCESS MEMBER

"I learned just as much in one All Access as I did in a whole course! SO GOOD!"

- Joanna Krueger, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER
10 Steps to Starting Your Photography Business
Helping a friend survive a season of Infant Loss
How to photograph a first look in Harsh Light
OUR KJ COUPLES REUNION
A Lake Como Destination Wedding - Greg and Kate
A Letter to the Go-Getters fearful of Motherhood

The KJ blog
must-reads

The KJ Blog is where you get to know me, where you meet our KJ Couples and see their beautiful wedding days, where I have been building an archive of education for over a decade and where I let you see a peek into our life, our home, and hear about our purpose! 
don't miss the
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ

YOUTUBE

Join 93,000+ others and learn, grow and get connected via our Youtube Channel! This is where I'm constantly sharing new content, talking all things gear, business, tips, tricks and letting you into the behind-the-scenes of our everyday life! 
MORE FREE EDUCATION + CUTE BABIES ON
WATCH NOW

"I have invested in all of KJ’s education!

The way she teaches makes so much sense and I’m so grateful for her! My business will be forever changed!"

- Renee Nicolo

"KJ education has been life-changing

 It has elevated my work so I could quit my day job and work from home with our baby boy!"

- joanna k.

"I'VE INVESTED IN SO MANY RESOURCES... 

and none compare to what I get from KJ!"

- LAUREN M.